Nandigram events unfortunate: PM; CPI(M) tells PM to behave like a PM

Doing some plain-speak on the Nandigram violence, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked the West Bengal government to ensure effective deployment of security forces and protection for all sections of population irrespective of political affiliations.

In his first public remarks on the issue, he also appeared to lend support to the demand that it be discussed in Parliament.

As Parliament lay paralysed for the second day on the issue, Singh told reporters accompanying him on his visit to Singapore: "It is the duty of the state government to ensure that all sections of the population, regardless of their political views and affiliations, are entitled to and do receive protection of law enforcement authorities," he said.

He said the events in Nandigram had taken "a most unfortunate turn" and condoled the loss of lives and regretted the destruction of property.

"I understand the spontaneous outpouring of grief and anguish over the issue as expressed by artistes and intellectuals in Kolkata," Singh said, adding he hoped the state government would take note of it.

It was unusual for the PM to read out a prepared text on being asked for his assessment of the situation in Nandigram.

Reacting to PM's comments, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said he shared his concern over the situation. But his party "" CPI(M) ""attacked Singh saying he should "behave like a prime minister."

Bhattacharjee said steps had already been taken for providing security and protecting people in Nandigram.

CPI(M) state secretary Biman Bose told reporters at Budge Budge: "The prime minister should behave like a prime minister. He should not be worried about Nandigram."

Meanwhile, after two days of disruption, the Left today finally agreed to the NDA's demand to debate the Nandigram violence in Parliament. The two sides have also found a suitable motion after spending hours over many draft notices.

The proposal to set up an SEZ at Nandigram and the consequent violence will be the motion for a short-duration discussion that is expected to kick off after tomorrow's question hour in the Lok Sabha.